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👴 Over 70s

Medical Card for Over 70s in Ireland

Everyone aged 70 and over in Ireland has an automatic entitlement to a medical card — regardless of income. But there are income limits for the full medical card, and the rules work differently to standard assessments.

⏱ 4 min read · ✓ Updated 2026 · 🇮🇪 Ireland

Automatic entitlement — what it means

Since 2015, everyone aged 70 and over is entitled to a medical card. However, the income limits for the full card differ from those for people under 70. Above the income limits, you receive a GP visit card instead.

Weekly gross income up to €550 (single)

Full medical card — covers GP visits, prescriptions, hospital care, dental, optical, and aural services.

Weekly gross income up to €1,050 (couple)

Full medical card for both people in the household.

Above these limits

You receive a GP visit card — free GP visits only. Prescriptions and hospital charges apply as normal.

Gross income — not netFor over 70s, the assessment uses gross income (before tax) rather than the net income used for under-70s. Investment income, pensions, and rental income all count.

How to apply if you are over 70

Apply online at medicalcard.ie or by post using Form MC1. You will need your PPS number, proof of income (pension statements, bank statements), and proof of address. The process is the same as the standard application — the different income limits are applied automatically based on your age.

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Income limits

Standard income limits for under-70s

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GP visit card vs medical card

What each card covers

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